FLOAT OFF PHOTOS

I’ve been taking of other things for the past month and more so I am just getting back to our blog. Ship’s Sponsor Katie Fowler gave you a great report on NORTH DAKOTA’s “Float Off” early on Sunday morning, September 15th. I’ve finally gotten around to opening three photos of the “Float Off” I want to share with you. These three photos are the copyrighted property of General Dynamics Electric Boat and are used by permission.

NORTH DAKOTA being moved from the hangar to the dry dock. Very Impressive!!

NORTH DAKOTA in the dry dock as it is being flooded. She floated off the blocks at 12:00 noon on Sunday, September 15th!

Ship’s Sponsor Katie Fowler with her husband Vice Admiral Jeff Fowler after she gave the command to “Open The Valves.”

Our boat’s christening is taking place on Saturday, November 2nd at the facilities of General Dynamics Electric Boat, her builder, in Groton CT. Helping us celebrate this grand event is the North Dakota Council of the Navy League of the United States. Navy League members will be handing out buttons to help celebrate NORTH DAKOTA’s christening.

As soon as the christening is completed our USS North Dakota Committee with swing into full-scale action to get us all ready for NORTH DAKOTA’s commissioning which has been set by the Secretary of the Navy for Saturday, May 31, 2014, in Groton CT. We hope to have much of the necessary fund-raising completed by the end of the year.

2 responses to “FLOAT OFF PHOTOS”

Bob, Thank you for the pictures of the float-off. The cost of airfare, hotel, etc. to attend the christening was very high. Will there be any chance that the cost to attend the commissioning will be more affordable? My husband is a Vietnam Vet and was in the Navy. It would be wonderful to send him, but the cost has to be reasonable. Janet Michelson

Dear Janet. We have no control over the costs of transportation, hotel, etc. Perhaps the cost would be more manageable if you drove out to the commissioning, but then you have to take more time. Since we are as far from an ocean as we can be, the most convenient way to travel is to fly. With the commissioning date set for May 31st, now may be a good time to look around for the best air fare deal.